Next generation Volkswagen Polo launch by mid 2015

Volkswagen Polo hatchback has been the top selling model for the company in India, however increasing competition in the segment has affected its sales number. The company has recently introduced the performance oriented Polo GT TSI, which is powered by an all-new 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and develops 103bhp. The current generation Polo hatchback was launched in 2010, and is now due for a makeover.

According to goauto.com.au, Volkswagen is planning to launch the all-new Polo hatchback by the mid of 2015. Moreover, the new Polo could be launched with an eight or nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. The company could ditch the current seven-speed DSG gearbox, and this engine configuration will only be reserved for vehicles of Golf-size and beyond.

Speaking to GoAuto, Michaled Schaefer Volkswagen head said,"We are considering a number of torque converter automatic alternatives for the next Up and Polo. We are looking at an eight-speed Aisin or nine-speed ZF transmission… but we have not decided on which one as yet”.

The reasons behind this decision is the high cost for the development of a next-generation DSG box for a B and sub-B vehicle segment. Moreover, the fuel efficiency gap between a dual clutch and torque converter automatic has closed dramatically, with only about 0.2 litres per 100km in it. The city car drivers mainly prefer the vehicles with the instantaneous take-off acceleration and low NVH (noise/vibration and harshness) level provided by the torque converter automatic transmission applications.

The 2016 Polo will be developed on a new modular front end version of the NSF architecture, which was originally formulated for the current Up! and its siblings, instead of new MQB-A0 platform, that underpins the latest Golf. Moreover, the 10-speed DSG will be used for the D-segment vehicles and SUVs. The next generation Polo will use automatic transmissions, which will be supplied by an outside source such as Aisin or ZF, however the final decision on the same is yet to be taken.

Source: GoAuto

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